When you’re setting up your living space, one of the most tricky decisions you can make is choosing the best LED lights for home. So, it comes down to whether I should go for LED strip lights or LED bulbs.
Both LED lights have their unique strengths and weaknesses, and if you don’t know what to look for, you can get stuck.
Fortunately for you, we can help. In this short guide, we’ll compare both lighting solutions in different areas to help you make an informed decision on the most suitable choice for your space.
The Areas to Consider
The Quality of Light They Provide
The LED bulb is better for general illumination because it provides broader, stronger, and more consistent lighting in a similar manner to traditional bulbs. On the flip side, the LED strip lights emit softer, ambiance lighting or illuminate specific areas depending on where you place them. They’re perfect for accentuating home designs, backlighting TVs/mirrors, under-shelf illumination, or task lighting.
Their Energy Efficiency
LED bulbs and LED strip lights are both energy-efficient lighting solutions. So their power consumption is minimal compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. However, they don’t use energy on the same level. LED strips consume slightly less power per meter than LED bulbs because the former produces accent lighting, which is directional and more focused.
Their Durability
LED bulbs and LED strip lights are ideal for home lighting because they’re both exceptionally durable. So, with them, you don’t have to worry about replacing your lights frequently, which translates to less waste and more savings in the long run. But when it comes to specific applications, LED strips may outlast LED bulbs.
Aesthetics
Although LED bulbs and LED strip lights are almost identical in their durability and energy efficiency, aesthetics is where there’s a clear difference between them. LED bulbs have an appearance that screams functionality, which is why they fit well in standard fixtures. On the other hand, LED strip lights have a modern and sleek design that you can be creative with.
Ease of Installation
LED bulbs are a breeze to install because all you have to do is screw in a bulb, and that’s it. However, it’s not that simple with LED strip lights because you have to choose a location, clean its surface for the adhesive to stick properly, and connect the light to a power source. In some instances, you may even need to do other stuff like soldering.
Functionality
Smart LED bulbs can change colors, dim, and integrate with home automation systems. With these features, you can enable mood lighting, dynamic room settings, and even sync lights with music or TV shows. LED strips are also heavy in functionality, primarily because of how versatile they are. You can use them along the stairs or under the cabinets/shelves.
Conclusion
The choice of LED shop lights to use for your space depends on your specific needs. If you want something with versatile or creative lighting applications, LED strip lights take the cake. However, if you want something that’s more classic and can work with your home systems, LED bulbs are just what you need.